2015/2016

Higher Diploma in Arts

NFQ Level 8, Major Award

The Higher Diploma in Arts is a programme of study running for 9 months (full-time) or 18 months (part-time) from the date of first registration for the programme. It is intended for those who already have a degree, preferably in the area of Arts or the Sciences, and who wish to study one of the following listed subjects intensively over one academic year: Archaeology, Béaloideas, Celtic Civilisation, English, Folklore, French, ¹Nua-Ghaeilge/Modern Irish, Geography, German, Greek and Roman Civilisation, History, History of Art, Italian, Music, Politics, Philosophy, Sociology, Spanish and Study of Religion.

The Higher Diploma in Arts shall consist of modules to the value of 60 credits taken from a range of existing Second and Final Arts modules in the relevant subject. Suitable modules as well as attendance requirements and coursework are determined by the relevant departments/schools and approved by the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences. For any given subject, the programme of study to be followed may differ for each individual student, depending on the individual's background, preferred area of specialisation,

Graduates (other than those eligible to apply for the Masters Qualifying Examination) may be permitted to proceed to a Master's Degree programme, provided they sit (with the permission of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences) for a Higher Diploma in Arts in the relevant subject and attain at least Second Class Honours standard therein.

Registration with the Teaching Council
The Higher Diploma in Arts is recognised by the Teaching Council for teacher registration provided candidates have completed modules to the value of at least 70 credits in the chosen subject.  Students who register for the Higher Diploma in Arts (60 credits) and wish to register the chosen subject with the Teaching Council must also register for an additional 10 credits of first year modules in that subject.  Students who have already completed 10 credits of first year modules in the subject as part of their primary degree will be exempt from this additional requirement. History: Students intending to register for the additional 10 credits in History in order to satisfy the Teaching Council requirements will register for HI1002 and HI1008. Study of Religions:  Students wishing to satisfy Teaching Council requirements will take 60 credits of RG courses (selected in consultation with the Programme Coordinator) plus ED6319.

Note:

• Greek and Roman Civilisation: Students make take either LT1001 or GK1001 as part of their required 60 credits.
• ¹Nua-Ghaeilge/Modern Irish: Applicants intending to apply for the Higher Diploma in Arts (Nua-Ghaeilge / Modern Irish) must have passed GA1002 (or equivalent) or hold the Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge Fheidhmeach (from Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha) or establish to the satisfaction of the Department (in interview and/or examination) that the applicant is suitable for the programme.  All applications will be assessed on an individual basis.
• For teaching purposes, the Teaching Council require that students must have verifiable residential experience of at least two months in an area designated as a Gaeltacht area. In order to fulfill this requirement an additional 5 credit module, GA3025 Tréimhse Chónaithe sa Ghaeltacht (5 credits), is available to students taking this programme.  The module is taken in addition to the prescribed programme requirements, at no cost to the student.  Work towards this module must be completed in time for the Summer or Autumn Examination Board in the final year of the programme.  All students will register for this module in their final year, irrespective of when they actually undertake it.  Attendance at, and examination in, the module will be recorded on the student transcript. The module will not contribute to the final degree award.  Students wishing to take this module should contact the Head of the Department of Modern Irish for further information.
• Students intending to apply for the MA in Archaeology must hold an Honours primary degree, or equivalent, with a minimum of 60% in Archaeology. Candidates below this minimum mark who can demonstrate substantial professional experience in Archaeology may also apply.
• The approval of a candidate's application to present for the Higher Diploma in Arts Examination in a particular subject shall remain valid only for a period of two years dating from the commencement of the session in which the application is considered and approved.
• The Higher Diploma in Arts does not automatically provide access to a Master's programme, which in the first instance depends on the approval of the Department/School concerned.